Lacrosse Head Scoop Geometry for Ground Ball Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing double-wall synthetic lacrosse heads have an inefficient and obstructive scoop geometry that decreases scooping efficiency and causes wear on pocket strings due to direct interaction with the playing surface during scooping motions.
Innovation Solution
A lacrosse head with a front scoop geometry featuring a substantially constant cross-section along at least one inch on either side of the front dead center, resembling a knife blade shape with a smooth convex or linear perimeter, which reduces resistance and protects pocket strings by elevating them off the playing surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the conventional jagged or angled scoop cross-section geometry is used, then durability at highly stressed portions is achieved and conventional clam shell mold manufacturing is facilitated, but scooping efficiency decreases and pocket string wear increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating the scoop geometry into two distinct zones: the front dead center region (within distance N) maintains a smooth convex or linear perimeter for efficient scooping, while regions beyond distance N retain the traditional jagged or angled geometry for durability and manufacturing compatibility. This localized differentiation allows each region to optimize for its specific function.
Solution Approach 2:
The scoop cross-section is segmented into multiple regions based on distance from the front dead center. The first region (within distance N) has a smooth perimeter optimized for scooping, while subsequent regions have traditional jagged geometry. This segmentation allows the design to simultaneously achieve smooth ground ball play in the critical scooping zone and durability in the peripheral zones.
2Ease of manufacture
If the conventional scoop cross-section geometry is used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but pocket strings are exposed to direct contact with the playing surface causing wear and tear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating the scoop geometry into two distinct zones: the front dead center region (within distance N) maintains a smooth convex or linear perimeter for efficient scooping, while regions beyond distance N retain the traditional jagged or angled geometry for durability and manufacturing compatibility. This localized differentiation allows each region to optimize for its specific function.
Solution Approach 2:
The smooth perimeter section acts as an intermediary protective element between the playing surface and the pocket strings. By creating a continuous smooth surface in the front region, the design mediates the interaction between the scoop and ground, preventing direct contact between strings and playing surface while still allowing effective scooping motion.
3Ease of operation
If the smooth convex or linear perimeter geometry is applied throughout the entire scoop, then scooping efficiency is maximized, but manufacturing complexity and material usage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating the scoop geometry into two distinct zones: the front dead center region (within distance N) maintains a smooth convex or linear perimeter for efficient scooping, while regions beyond distance N retain the traditional jagged or angled geometry for durability and manufacturing compatibility. This localized differentiation allows each region to optimize for its specific function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by implementing the smooth perimeter geometry only in the critical front region within distance N of the front dead center, rather than throughout the entire scoop. This partial application provides sufficient scooping efficiency improvement while avoiding the excessive complexity and material usage that would result from applying the smooth geometry to the entire scoop structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A lacrosse head having a front scoop geometry optimized to promote smooth ground ball play such as scooping of a ball by ground contact. The lacrosse head has a distal scoop with a mid-section cross-section shaped like a chef's-knife with a foremost point, a rear edge (lower edge of tang), a rearmost corner point (tower distal end of tang), a low continuous curve point (where heel joins choil), and rear-innermost point (choil), with a continuous perimeter bounding all of said points, the perimeter bounding said rear edge, lowest continuous curve point, and rear-innermost point defining a cavity extending toward said foremost point. The perimeter joining the foremost point and low continuous curve point is formed to optimize ground ball play when incorporated into a lacrosse head scoop,